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Getting from Sofia Airport to the City Centre

April Dwyer

Travel/Copy Writer - 10+ years with private, NGO and startups | Adventure Seeker/World Explorer

September 6, 2024

There are four transport options from Sofia Airport (SOF) in Bulgaria’s capital city. You can choose between a Sofia Airport taxi, private transfer, metro, or public bus. A taxi from Sofia Airport to the city centre takes as little as 15 minutes and is very affordable compared to other European cities. Otherwise, you can opt for an airport transfer which offers a door-to-door service in the same time as a taxi but with lots of extra perks.

If you’re on a budget, the quickest public transport option is the M4 metro line which takes 18 minutes to reach Serdika Station. During peak hours when traffic is heavy, the metro is even quicker than a taxi. Alternatively, there are two bus lines, the 84 and 184, which have the advantage of additional stops along the way, with a journey time of 40 minutes.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Sofia at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€7.70	15min	24/7
Airport Transfer	€23	15min	24/7
Metro	€1.60	18min	05:26–23:49
Bus	€1.60	40min	04:50–23:36

How to get from Sofia Airport to the city centre by taxi

Catching a taxi from Sofia Airport to the city centre is a fast and comfortable way to travel, not to mention affordable. The airport has partnered with and recommends using the companies OK Supertrans AD and Yellow!, both of which provide spacious and modern vehicles that typically seat up to 4 passengers. The ride downtown takes just 15 minutes under normal traffic conditions and all taxis are metered.

How much is a taxi from Sofia Airport to the city centre?

When you take a taxi from Sofia Airport to the city centre the price will be determined by a taximeter, based on the distance travelled and time spent in traffic.

During the day between 06:00 and 22:00, you can expect a ride downtown to cost between €7.70 and €10.30 (BGN 15-20) whereas at night (22:00-06:00) the price will be slightly higher. If applicable, a call-out charge of €0.50 (BGN 0.99) and any road tolls will be added to the final fare.

If you prefer to know how much your taxi will cost from Sofia Airport to the city centre upfront, you can pre-book an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups and receive a guaranteed fixed fare rate with no hidden extras.

Cost

€7.70

Trip Duration

15 Min

*Unless booked in advance taxi prices can vary.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis at Sofia Airport are available 24/7.

Where can I catch a taxi from?

Taxis are located at both Sofia Airport terminals. To take a taxi, you can either approach the dedicated taxi counter in the Arrivals Hall of Terminals 1 and 2, or you can head straight to the official rank in front of the exit, following the yellow marking on the floor.

If you visit the counter, you’ll be given a slip to hand to your driver with all of your trip details to help you arrive at your destination more seamlessly.

Convenience

Choosing to travel by taxi from Sofia Airport to the city centre is a very convenient transport option since taxis are available 24/7. Additionally, they are very affordable compared to other major cities. Lastly, in case you are unsure of anything, there are official taxi desks located inside the terminals where employees can assist you.

Editor’s Note

Avoid using non-authorised taxi drivers and operators at Sofia Airport as there have been cases of fraud and abuse. It's better to travel with an official provider to ensure your safety.

Useful Tips

OK Supertrans AD offers taxi ride packages that may be of interest to you. You can choose to book an hourly taxi service and have a driver take you around the city to visit the attractions, picking you up afterwards. Ask at the airport counters for more information.

Keep the taxi ride slip until after you have arrived at your destination to make sure the driver follows your instructions and charges you fairly.

Always check that the meter has been reset to the base fare before starting your ride.

Some taxi drivers may not speak English fluently. It’s best to write your hotel address on a piece of paper and give it to the driver beforehand.

How to get from Sofia Airport to the city centre by private transfer

If you’re looking for a safe and reliable way to travel upon landing in Sofia, an airport transfer is easily the best option. From Sofia Airport, the transfer to the city takes just 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.

The best part is that you’ll be delivered safely to the door of your hotel with no effort on your part. Drivers are trained and speak fluent English, plus they know the city well which ensures there are no hiccups along the way.

Private transfers, like those offered by Welcome Pickups, are the only fully customisable transport option. This means your ride can be tailored to suit you and your group’s needs specifically. You’ll also receive:

24/7 customer support
Guaranteed fixed-fare pricing
A personalised airport meet-and-greet
Flight monitoring

On top of that, your driver will give you a mini tour of Sofia on the way to your destination while sharing some of their insider knowledge on things to see and do.

How much does a private transfer from Sofia Airport to the city cost?

When you book a private transfer you have the benefit of receiving a fixed quote ahead of time, detailing the overall cost. Knowing the final cost of your fare before travelling allows you to budget and travel with confidence, with peace of mind that the price won’t have added surcharges or increase if you get stuck in traffic.

That said, a Sofia Airport transfer to the city will cost €23 (BGN 45) for a ride in a comfortable sedan that can seat 4 passengers. Alternatively, you can choose to travel in an 8-seater minivan for €34 (BGN 66.50), ideal for larger groups and families.

To book your ride, you’ll need to enter your flight details and personal information, along with your preferred pick-up time online or through the Welcome Pickups app. The whole process can be completed in less than a minute.

Cost

€23

Trip Duration

15 Min

When booked in advance your private transfer will be ready and waiting for you on arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Sofia International Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Your personal Sofia Airport driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall of your terminal after you’ve collected your bags. You won’t miss them as they’ll be holding a sign with your name, plus you will have been sent their details along with a photo the day before. After introducing themselves, your driver will help you with your luggage and show you to your pre-selected private vehicle.

Convenience

Private transfers offer a fully personalised and customisable journey with complete flexibility over the schedule and vehicle type. Being able to organise everything in advance means there are no surprises on the day, ensuring a seamless and relaxing ride to your hotel. Not to mention the affordable pricing!

Editor’s Note

Your private transfer can be catered to your needs and wants entirely; be sure to submit any requests such as a larger vehicle or child booster seat at the time of booking.

Useful Tips

Your driver will be notified if your flight experiences any delays so that they can still be there to meet you right on time when your plane lands.

Payment will be taken at the time of booking so that on the day of travel you can simply turn up and go with nothing to worry about.

Tipping isn't expected when you book a private transfer, although you are welcome to thank your driver for exceptional service with a little something extra. This can be done with cash or through the app.

Getting from Sofia Airport to the city centre by metro

Sofia has a great metro system in place, providing a fast and very cheap transport option from Sofia Airport to the city. The yellow Metro Line 4 (M4) departs from Terminal 2 and takes 18 minutes to reach Serdika Station in the city centre.

Trains leave regularly and run throughout most of the day, except in the early hours of the morning. There are also several stops along the way to cater for those not staying in the city centre, including ‘Iskarsko Shosse Station’ which connects to the railway.

How much is the metro from Sofia Airport to the city centre?

A single metro ticket from Sofia Airport costs €0.80 (BGN 1.60). You can buy a paper ticket from the cashier desks and the automatic ticket machines at the Airport Metro Station or you can tap your credit/debit card at the blue barriers in front of the station.

Cost

€0.80

Trip Duration

18 Min

The wait time for the metro ranges from 10 to 15 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The metro operates between 05:26 and 23:49 on weekdays and 05:27 and 23:33 on weekends.

Where do I catch the metro from?

The Sofia Airport Metro Station is located next to the Departures building at Terminal 2. Simply follow the blue floor markings and signage within the airport. If you land at Terminal 1, you will need to transfer via shuttle bus to Terminal 2.

Convenience

Using the metro to get from Sofia Airport to the city is a very convenient transport option, especially if your final destination is within walking distance of Serdika Station. However, it can be a hassle to change lines or transfer to a bus or taxi, particularly when travelling with luggage or in winter when the weather is particularly cold.

Timetables

Metro Timetable

Sofia Airport to Serdika Station

Metro Network Map

Editor’s Note

Sofia Airport provides a free 24/7 shuttle bus between Terminals 1 and 2 every 30 to 40 minutes.

Useful Tips

When you buy a paper ticket it is valid for an unlimited number of transfers within the metro network until you reach your destination. If you purchase your ticket by tapping on with a credit card, the transfer window is only valid for 30 minutes.

Remember to check your exact destination before boarding the Sofia Metro network. Serdika station is one of the most central stations in downtown Sofia, but you may need to get off at a different stop.

There are several metro ticket options available. If you wish to use the Sofia metro more than once, you may want to consider the 1-day or 3-day ticket.

The ticket should be validated at the barriers to the entrance to the metro station.

How to get from Sofia Airport to the city centre by bus

There are two buses from Sofia Airport to the city centre of Sofia: 84 and 184. Both buses follow the same route to the city centre, where you need to get off the bus at ‘General Gurko Street’ next to Knyazheska Garden.

The journey duration is 40 minutes and buses leave the airport daily, every 30 minutes on average, passing by both terminals.

How much is the bus from Sofia Airport to the city centre?

A single bus ticket to the city centre of Sofia costs €0.80 (BGN1.60) for either bus. You can purchase a bus ticket from kiosks and machines at Sofia Airport Arrivals Hall. There’s also an Urban Mobility Centre in Terminal 2, where you can purchase tickets and ask for help.

Cost

€0.80

Trip Duration

40 Min

*Traffic conditions can significantly alter the duration of the journey to Sofia city centre.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Buses 84 and 184 leave the airport every 30 minutes on average. Bus 84 operates from 05:40 until 23.36 and bus 184 operates between 04:50 and 23.17.

Where does the bus depart from?

Buses stop at both Sofia Airport terminals, right outside the Arrivals Hall as you exit the building. You can request more information at the kiosks.

Convenience

Travelling by bus from Sofia Airport to the city centre isn’t the most convenient option. There is no overnight service and passengers are only entitled to two pieces of luggage each due to restricted space on board. The city centre stop is located on the outskirts of the central district, so you may need to use another bus or a taxi from there to reach your accommodation.

For a direct service that will take you to the curb of your hotel, we suggest pre-booking a private transfer with Welcome Pickups.

Timetables

Bus Schedule Information

Sofia Airport to General Gurko Street

Editor’s Note

Bus schedule information is available on the Urban Mobility Centre website. Locating your bus number online will give you an indication of times and routes.

Useful Tips

Avoid using the bus if you're travelling as a large group or with children since the service can get busy.

You can purchase bus tickets using the local currency, the Bulgarian lev. Although Bulgaria is part of the EU, it doesn't use the euro yet.

Tickets can also be purchased using a credit card.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Sofia. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Sofia Airport to the city centre?

When travelling by taxi, the cost from Sofia Airport to the city centre shouldn’t cost more than €10.30 (BGN 20), excluding tolls and surcharges.

How do I get to Sofia city centre from the airport?

There are several ways to reach the city centre from Sofia Airport. The quickest and easiest way is to take an airport taxi or private transfer which takes 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.

Is there a train from Sofia City to the airport?

There isn’t a train from Sofia Airport to the city centre, however, there are other public transport options including the M4 metro line and the 84 and 184 bus lines, all of which cost €0.80 (BGN 1.60).

How far is Sofia from the airport?

The distance from Sofia Airport to the city centre is approximately 10 km which takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach when travelling by taxi or private transfer. There is also the option of the metro which takes 18 minutes or two bus lines which take 40 minutes, both of which cost just €0.80 (BGN1.60).

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Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

How to get from Sofia Airport to the city centre by taxi

How much is a taxi from Sofia Airport to the city centre?

Cost

€7.70

Trip Duration

15 Min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis at Sofia Airport are available 24/7.

Where can I catch a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Sofia Airport to the city centre by private transfer

How much does a private transfer from Sofia Airport to the city cost?

Cost

€23

Trip Duration

15 Min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Sofia International Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Getting from Sofia Airport to the city centre by metro

How much is the metro from Sofia Airport to the city centre?

Cost

€0.80

Trip Duration

18 Min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The metro operates between 05:26 and 23:49 on weekdays and 05:27 and 23:33 on weekends.

Where do I catch the metro from?

Convenience

Timetables

Metro Timetable

Sofia Airport to Serdika Station

Metro Network Map

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Sofia Airport to the city centre by bus

How much is the bus from Sofia Airport to the city centre?

Cost

€0.80

Trip Duration

40 Min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Buses 84 and 184 leave the airport every 30 minutes on average. Bus 84 operates from 05:40 until 23.36 and bus 184 operates between 04:50 and 23.17.

Where does the bus depart from?

Convenience

Timetables

Bus Schedule Information

Sofia Airport to General Gurko Street

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Sofia Airport to the city centre?

How do I get to Sofia city centre from the airport?

Is there a train from Sofia City to the airport?

How far is Sofia from the airport?

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